Proper Name: Glutamine

Common Name: Glutamine

Evidence of Efficacy: statement to the effect of Glutamine deficiency or imbalance plays a role in the symptoms of mood disorders¹. Observational and experimental studies have shown an association between glutamine and bipolar disorder^2,3, and depression⁴.

References:

1. Young LS, Bye R, Scheltinga M, Ziegler TR, Jacobs DO, Wilmore DW.; Patients receiving glutamine-supplemented intravenous feedings report an improvement in mood. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. Sep-Oct;17(5):422-7. 1993.
2. Mebane AG. L-Glutamine and mania. Letter. Am J Psychiatry 141(10), October, 1984
3. Michael N, Erfurth A, Ohrmann P, Gossling M, Arolt V, Heindel W, Pfleiderer B.; Acute mania is accompanied by elevated glutamate/glutamine levels within the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2003 Jul;168(3):344-6. Epub 2003 Apr 09.
4. Auer DP, Putz B, Kraft E, Lipinski B, Schill J, Holsboer F.; Reduced glutamate in the anterior cingulate cortex in depression: an in vivo proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy study.
Biol Psychiatry. 2000 Feb 15;47(4):305-13.